A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process--a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.--are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.

We reflect on and discuss technological change, existential devastation by greed of our sacred earth, and other worldwide crises: What does it mean to be human? We also analyze motivations and ethical considerations for using AI, talking via social media, and communicating in memes. How do these link to human identity? Becoming more savvy digital citizens, we look at AI’s and memes’ influence as we explore best research practices and the myriad ways Cal’s libraries and librarians empower these. You focus on a key issue, topic, or question of your choice and engage in process-based research to build an articulate, sound digital portfolio of inquiry that includes an abstract, research essay, works cited, annotated bibliography, and research presentation with slidedeck, plus other assignments.

Enrollment is restricted to students who have satisfied the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. This course satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills